Kemal was fatally injured on the 3rd day of the TransAnatolia Rally, while stopped with another Italian at an intersection to check the roadbook,
An 18yr old Dutch competitor rammed them from behind because of the dust... Unfortunately the Dutch rider (i don't know who he his yet) also passed away...

Eaton Eski&#351;ehirsporlu Bahtiyaro&#287;lu'nun footballer's death was 3 days, a Turkish sport has lost more than the name. "Desert Tiger" Kemal Merkit motorcycle racer dubbed the 52-year-old this year, was killed in a traffic accident in 3rd Rally of the Transanatolia. Factor in the accident, Kemal Merkit'e not get rid of the Dutch athletes.

Meke morning, shortly after the start of stage direction to find a Turkish biker Kemal Merkit an Italian motorcyclist, stopped to investigate aspects. In the meantime, as-yet-unidentified 18-year-old Dutch athlete coming from behind hit the Kemal Merkit'e. Merkit with the Dutch athletes were killed at the scene. Italian motorcyclist escaped with minor injuries in the incident light.

We've lost a very precious special person this morning... That is a huge loss for me, we had met in 1995 when I was a young lad. He was one of my figures not as a motorcyclist only, his approach to people, life and sport.

Accident happened during the stage. Merkit & other biker had stopped for navigation and another vehicle; not confirmed yet a car or motorbike, hit them. They died immediately.

Our friends were also in the event ; Trafo Rally Raid Team, they arrived to scene soon and were shocked...

The most authentic man and competitor I've ever met. A guide to me.
Died helping someone else, as he was always doing.

Click to expand...

So true.. I met Kemal last year in Serres, it was my first rally, we rode the prologue together and he was always checking to see if I was doing OK, also taught me how to shortcut turns and adjust at the same time...

I stopped where he fell on the 3rd day, he had broken his collarbone and Selçuk was already with him, I still remember the smile in his helmet when I offered him some food, "No thank you, you will need it more than me"

I hadn't met him but everyone who had held him in great respect not only as a rider but as a wonderful person as well. I just found out and I'm shocked, I thought he was bullet-proof (remember his fall on the previous Dakar?) but this comes as a reminder that we are all very fragile on our bikes.